2027 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Announcement
Can you apply?
This grant is for state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners who work on wildlife and sport fish conservation projects that benefit multiple states.
Eligible applicants include state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and groups of states. Eligible species are wild birds, wild mammals, and sport fish. Projects must address regional or national priority needs that exceed what one state can accomplish alone.
Two grant tracks exist: Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) fund wildlife research, restoration, habitat improvement, and R3 activities like hunter safety and aquatic education. R3 Multistate Conservation Grants (R3-MSCG) specifically fund hunting and target shooting recruitment programs.
All 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible. Canadian provinces and non-U.S. jurisdictions cannot apply.
This grant is for state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners who work on wildlife and sport fish conservation projects that benefit multiple states.
Eligible applicants include state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and groups of states. Eligible species are wild birds, wild mammals, and sport fish. Projects must address regional or national priority needs that exceed what one state can accomplish alone.
Two grant tracks exist: Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) fund wildlife research, restoration, habitat improvement, and R3 activities like hunter safety and aquatic education. R3 Multistate Conservation Grants (R3-MSCG) specifically fund hunting and target shooting recruitment programs.
All 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible. Canadian provinces and non-U.S. jurisdictions cannot apply.
Program description
Multistate Conservation Grants (MSCG) are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 669h-2 and 16 U.S.C. 777m, providing funding for wildlife restoration and sport fish restoration projects and recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) projects that address regional or national priority needs of State fish and wildlife agencies and their partners that are beyond the scale, scope, and capabilities of a single State. The priority needs, also known as Strategic Priorities, are identified annually by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) with input from State fish and wildlife agencies and their partners. Recipients awarded Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) may use the funds for wildlife or sport fish projects involving research, restoration, conservation and management of wild birds, wild mammals, sport fish, and their habitats. These funds may also be used for projects providing for public use and benefit from these resources, including hunter safety and education, aquatic education, and recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) projects and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation. Recipients awarded R3 Multistate Conservation Grants (R3-MSCG) may use the funds for hunting and target shooting R3 projects that promote a national hunting and target shooting recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities. Multistate Conservation Grants are awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the FWS and AFWA work cooperatively to manage the grant program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public University
- State Government
Details
This grant is for state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners who work on wildlife and sport fish conservation projects that benefit multiple states.
Eligible applicants include state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and groups of states. Eligible species are wild birds, wild mammals, and sport fish. Projects must address regional or national priority needs that exceed what one state can accomplish alone.
Two grant tracks exist: Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) fund wildlife research, restoration, habitat improvement, and R3 activities like hunter safety and aquatic education. R3 Multistate Conservation Grants (R3-MSCG) specifically fund hunting and target shooting recruitment programs.
All 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible. Canadian provinces and non-U.S. jurisdictions cannot apply.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project Narrative describing multi-state scope and alignment with Strategic Priorities
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Resumes or organizational information for key personnel
- Letters of support or commitment from partner state agencies
- Documentation of cost-share commitment (if applicable)
- SF-424 Application Form
- Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if claiming indirect costs)
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 karen_bennett@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.628 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$7,422,105
-
$3,104,419
-
$683,197
-
$648,803
-
$628,363
-
$615,360
-
$449,900
-
$435,900
-
$426,049
-
$410,291
Top States by Funding
- VA 1 awards $0.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.628). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $11,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $11,473,954 | |
| 2024 | $11,700,002 | |
| 2025 est. | $11,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $11,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Multistate Conservation Grant?
State fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and groups of states can apply. Projects must benefit multiple states and address nationally or regionally identified priorities.
What types of projects are eligible?
T-MSCG funds wildlife/sport fish research, restoration, habitat improvement, and R3 activities. R3-MSCG funds hunting and target shooting recruitment programs and related outreach.
Are Canadian provinces eligible?
No. Only U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia can apply. Canadian provinces do not count toward multi-state requirements.
What is the funding deadline?
The deadline is July 14, 2026. Specific guidance on applications opens typically several months before the deadline.
Do I need matching funds?
No cost sharing is required for this grant program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with the Strategic Priorities identified annually by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Check AFWA guidance before writing.
- Demonstrate that your project benefits multiple states and addresses needs beyond what one state can accomplish alone.
- Build partnerships with other state fish and wildlife agencies early. Collaboration is central to this program's design.
- For R3 grants, clearly show how your hunting or target shooting activities support recruitment, retention, or reactivation of participants.
- Allow sufficient lead time. Multi-state coordination and approval processes typically require 6-12 months of planning before submission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects that only benefit a single state or serve purely local needs. Applications must demonstrate multi-state or regional significance. Failing to coordinate with other state agencies or not documenting partnerships early enough. Rushing the application without adequate time for internal and inter-agency review and approval.
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